Induction hob features

Induction hob is one type of cooking stove. It can not be argued that this technique is a novelty: they appeared on store shelves several years ago, but since then they have become more stylish, functional and comfortable. When choosing a suitable model, it is important to take into account the features of the device, advantages and weaknesses, as well as to evaluate the entire range of different price categories, because the cost is often expressed in the "abilities" of technology.

General description and working principle

There is a look at the photo or live, externally induction plates are similar to ordinary electric (rapid, halogen or hi-light).You can find both separate and portable or embedded models - the latter are more popular because of their compact size, optimal power and various forms.

Dimensions directly depend on the number of heating zones - they can be from 1 to 7. The shape of the panel is either traditional square, rectangular or non-standard. Slab surfaceAs a rule, it is glass-ceramic and can be made in black, gray, white or golden color.

The principal difference between an induction cooker lies in the type of heating element and the method of heat transfer. If in the usual electric stoves install teny, which heat the burner, then here are induction coils. Under the influence of electricity, they create a powerful magnetic field of high frequency, which performs the heating of dishes.

Here it is worth paying attention to the fact that in the course of work, heating is carried out directly on kitchen utensils, in which there is a certain content of ferromagnetic particles. Only a small part of the heat from the pan or frying pan is transferred to the burners.

Technical features

If you refer to the scheme of a conventional induction hotplate, it will contain 5 elements:

• glass ceramic surface;
• insulation;
• a coil that induces eddy currents;
• frequency converter;
• Control block.

Induction panels are produced in standard or non-standard dimensions, so that they are easily embedded in kitchen furniture, and the dimensions do not always affect the number of options and technical characteristics.

Metal frames can pass along the contour of the embedded plates - they are designed to provide additional rigidity and protect the edges from chipping.

As a rule, the plate is a smooth glass-ceramic surface, under which all the nodes are located. Control Panel most often located in the front, but there are modifications, where each burner is equipped with an individual set of touch buttons.

The design of induction electric stoves will impress even the most demanding users: universal colors, laconic control zone, informative marking, in one word - Hi-Tech in its full splendor.

Functionality

If you pay attention to the cost, it can be noted that induction hobs are somewhat more expensive than usual gas or electric stoves. This is due to the introduction of a magnetic heater, various additional functions. What interesting or useful options does an induction panel contain?

1. Stop & Go - a brief interruption of the heating process (pause).
   
2. System beeps (timer or button response).
3. Lock control panel.
4. EcoTimer is a “smart” timer that turns off heating a few minutes before the end of a specified time, so the dish will not dry out due to residual heat (in principle, it is not much). In addition, the cooking timer can be set for each burner individually.
   
5. Step adjustment of temperature / power of rings.
6. The PowerBoost function is to increase the power of the burner up to 50% (borrowed from the neighboring burners).

The functionality of budget models varies from 10 to 15 different cooking modes, and more expensive modifications can include up to 20.

Built-in induction hobs have another technical feature: the hob can be dependent or independent.The first type involves the mandatory installation of the oven, and the second means that the stove can be installed independently.

Types of plates

Freestanding induction hobs include a hob and an electric oven. As a rule, these are powerful household appliances, the number of burners is from 4, with full cooking and safety functionality. With all the advantages they have, and a significant drawback - a large power consumption (12 - 15 kW), which will require special powerful electrical wiring.

It should be noted that in the apartments of the old layouts, the use of such an electric induction stove will be problematic.

Embedded induction hob is a panel with a marking of burners and touch control buttons. The range includes not only the standard dimensions of 60x50 cm, but also interesting creative solutions: rounded, rectangular or elongated with smooth transitions. Installation does not imply complex actions: you can purchase a kitchen cabinet for embedding household appliances or cut out the necessary shape in the worktop. The main thing here - to comply with the installation requirements, the presence of minimum ventilation gaps.Read more about this. here.

Separately worth highlighting portable models induction plates, they have a small size, designed for 1 or 2 heating zones. With low power and price, they have no less functionality, they can have about 10 modes, several cooking settings and standard options (pause or Boost). For example, Kitfort induction cookers with one or two burners have enviable capabilities: several modes, delayed start and cooking timer functions, as well as safety options.

Interesting devices that combine the induction type of heater with a conventional electric element (hi-light plates operating at higher power). As a rule, this is a 4-ring panel, where the two zones are “induction”, and the two zones are the ten ones. This solution combines the advantages of two types of plates in one.

Pros and cons of induction cooker

A special principle of operation of the induction cooker and various modern technologies are expressed in the practicality and weight of the advantages of a household appliance. What is the remarkable induction hob?

1. Efficiency. Such tiles consume 40-50% less electricity, which does not affect the heating power. The efficiency of induction cookers is at least 90%, which is the highest among all types (gas, electric).
2. Security. Due to the fact that the heat is transferred to the dishes, and not to the hob, the surface of the stove does not heat up. Thus, it is impossible to get a burn on the stove, food that has entered does not burn, and a randomly set plate will not melt. In addition, the panel is turned on only if at least 70% of the heating zone is blocked.
3. Convenience. The process of cooking takes less time than on conventional hobs, due to the rapid heating of dishes. And in contrast to electric tents, which need time to cool down, the magnetic coils stop working immediately after switching off. The user does not have to rearrange the pan so that the food does not overcook.
4. Practicality. Care panel elementary: glass ceramics is resistant to mechanical stress, and due to the low temperature of the plate, food does not grill to it. To maintain cleanliness, it is enough to wipe the glass-ceramic surface with a damp sponge with soapy water.
5. Functionality. Various options greatly facilitate the use of a household appliance, you can pause it, set up intensive warming up, set a timer, adjust the temperature.
6. Optimum room temperature. Everyone knows that when using a gas or electric stove (with a heating tube), the air temperature inevitably rises. Especially in the summer, it creates discomfort, and without good ventilation in the kitchen will be hot. A stove with induction heating eliminates the creation of such inconveniences.

The disadvantages of this device are subjective, but in many respects can affect the choice of the optimal model.

1. For induction electric cooker only special dishes (enameled stainless steel), it is marked with a spiral label. Brass or copper utensils are also suitable, but due to the low content of magnetic substances, it heats up much more slowly. Ceramic or glass kitchenware can not be used at all on an induction cooker. In addition, the bottom of the dishes should be smooth and clean.
2. There are models where the power does not allow to use 3 or 4 burners at the same time (the power of such plates is about 4 kW).
3. Installation rules prohibit the installation of built-in panel above the refrigerator, microwave oven and other metal surfaces.
4. The electromagnetic field is able to exert (to a small extent) the influence on nearby devices, and users with pacemakers It is recommended to refrain from buying such equipment.
5. The included stove makes a little noise - it works the cooling system, but there are models in which the fan is almost unheard of.

Advantages of the adapter for the stove

At choosing the optimal model of induction hob Often there is such an accessory as an adapter for the plate. This device will be extremely useful when using any type of dishes from various materials that are not originally provided for this type of stove.

The advantage of an accessory is that such a solution for an induction hob will save money on the purchase of a set of special dishes or will make it possible to use familiar ceramic or glass cooking utensils for cooking. The efficiency in this case will be the same 90%, also there is no heat loss, and, consequently, an overrun of electricity.

The average diameter of the adapters, which are most often found in stores - 22 - 24 cm, but it is permissible to install smaller dishes,eg Turku for coffee or a small container for melting cheese, chocolate.

For many users, purchasing an adapter will be an excellent alternative to changing kitchen utensils.

What to look for when buying

It is easiest to determine the type of plate, but to understand the modifications and additional options is not always easy. What should I look for when choosing a good induction panel?

1. Number of burners - it can be different, it is worth determining which one will be optimal.
2. Number of cooking modes may vary over a wide range, the average is 15.
3. The size. For many, the dimensions of a household appliance play an important role. If there is not a lot of space in the kitchen, you can look at portable or built-in 3-ring models, they are quite stylish and allow you to place other kitchen items next to them.
4. Intensive heating function Boost is useful to those who live in a hard rhythm. It allows you to quickly heat the kettle, water for soup or pasta.
5. Function Stop &Go allows you to pause the cooking process for a short period of time.
6. Maximum cooking time - Often it is limited to 3 hours, which goes against some recipes. Naturally, the cycle can be extended, and the device will continue to work.
7. Mode switching - not every induction surface will allow setting different modes on different burners, most often, this option is not available for budget models.

Understanding what an induction cooker is, what options it can have, it is quite easy to make the right choice in the search for a new cooker. Comparing induction and traditional electric stove, you can identify the pros and cons of both options. In general, induction hobs have an intuitive interface, a number of security systems and convenient cooking modes.